1 Samuel 23:17

KJV

And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, Fear {H3372} not: for the hand {H3027} of Saul {H7586} my father {H1} shall not find {H4672} thee; and thou shalt be king {H4427} over Israel {H3478}, and I shall be next {H4932} unto thee; and that also Saul {H7586} my father {H1} knoweth {H3045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to him, "Don't be afraid, because my father's forces will not find you; you will be king over Isra'el, and I will be second to you. Sha'ul my father knows this, too."

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:17 captures a profoundly moving and pivotal moment in the narrative of David's flight from King Saul. Here, Jonathan, Saul's son and the rightful heir to the throne, seeks out David in the wilderness to offer not only unwavering loyalty and encouragement but also a divinely inspired prophetic assurance that David will indeed be king over Israel, and that Saul's relentless pursuit will ultimately fail. This verse underscores the depth of their covenant friendship and the certainty of God's sovereign plan amidst human opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a tumultuous period of David's life, marked by relentless persecution from King Saul. David has recently escaped from the city of Keilah, where Saul had attempted to trap him, and is now a fugitive hiding in the rugged wilderness of Ziph. The meeting described in 1 Samuel 23:17 is a rare and precious encounter between Jonathan and David during this time of intense danger and isolation for David. It serves as a powerful interlude of encouragement and divine affirmation, reinforcing the deep covenant established between them earlier in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant"). This encounter highlights Jonathan's consistent character as a loyal friend and a man submitted to God's will, even as his own father descends further into paranoia and defiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the early monarchy of Israel, a time when the concept of divine anointing for kingship was paramount. Saul, the first king, has been rejected by God due to his disobedience, and David has been divinely chosen and anointed by Samuel in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing"). Despite this, Saul clings to power, viewing David as a direct threat to his dynasty. The cultural expectation would be for Jonathan, as the crown prince, to vehemently oppose David. However, Jonathan consistently defies this expectation, demonstrating a profound understanding of God's sovereignty over human succession. The wilderness of Ziph, a desolate and remote region, serves as a fitting backdrop for David's vulnerable state, emphasizing the providential nature of Jonathan's timely visit.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it exemplifies **Unwavering Loyalty and Selfless Friendship**, showcasing Jonathan's extraordinary commitment to David, transcending personal ambition and familial ties. His actions consistently demonstrate a covenant love that prioritizes God's will above his own claim to the throne, as seen from their initial bond in [1 Samuel 18:1-4](/1_samuel/18-1 "1 Samuel 18:1-4 - Jonathan's Soul Knit to David's"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Assurance**, as Jonathan's words are not merely human encouragement but a divinely inspired prophecy, assuring David of God's protective hand and the certainty of his future kingship despite present dangers. Thirdly, it underscores the **Confirmation of David's Kingship**, as Jonathan, the legitimate heir, explicitly affirms David's destiny, reinforcing the divine anointing and demonstrating that God's plan will prevail. Finally, the verse subtly reveals **Saul's Deliberate Rebellion**, indicating that Saul was fully aware of God's decree concerning David's future reign, yet chose to defy it, adding a tragic dimension to his relentless pursuit, consistent with Samuel's earlier pronouncement in [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - Samuel's Prophecy to Saul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear not (Hebrew, _ʾal-tiraʾ_):** This common biblical imperative is often spoken by God or His messengers to individuals facing daunting circumstances, accompanied by a promise of divine presence, protection, or a declaration of God's immutable plan. Here, Jonathan's use of this phrase elevates his words beyond mere human comfort, imbuing them with prophetic authority and divine assurance, confirming that David's future is secure in God's hands.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yad_):** In this context, "hand" signifies power, control, or grasp. Jonathan's declaration that "the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee" is a direct denial of Saul's ability to capture or harm David, emphasizing the ultimate futility of Saul's efforts against God's protective sovereignty. It implies that God's hand is preventing Saul's hand from succeeding.
* **Next unto thee (Hebrew, _mišneh_):** This term literally means "second" or "double," often used to denote a subordinate position, such as a deputy or second-in-command. Jonathan's willingness to be "next unto" David reveals his profound humility and acceptance of God's sovereign choice, contrasting sharply with the typical ambition for the throne. It signifies his desire to serve David in a position of honor and trust, rather than rivalry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him, Fear not:"**: Jonathan initiates the conversation with a powerful, divinely-backed exhortation designed to dispel David's anxiety and fear. This opening sets a tone of assurance and comfort, preparing David to receive the profound truths that follow. It highlights Jonathan's pastoral heart and his role as a conduit of God's peace.
* **"for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee;"**: This is a direct, prophetic promise of divine protection. Despite Saul's relentless and increasingly desperate pursuit, Jonathan assures David that God's sovereign hand will prevent Saul from ever capturing or harming him. It is a declaration of the ultimate futility of human opposition against God's chosen one.
* **"and thou shalt be king over Israel,"**: Jonathan explicitly affirms David's divinely appointed destiny. This is a momentous declaration, coming from the very person who stands to lose the most from David's ascension. It underscores Jonathan's complete submission to God's will and his recognition of David's legitimate claim, not by human right, but by divine decree.
* **"and I shall be next unto thee;"**: This clause reveals the extraordinary depth of Jonathan's humility and selfless loyalty. He envisions himself not as a rival, but as David's faithful second-in-command, willingly relinquishing his birthright for the sake of God's plan and his friendship with David. It is a profound act of self-denial and trust in God's perfect order.
* **"and that also Saul my father knoweth."**: This poignant revelation adds a tragic and morally weighty dimension to Saul's actions. It indicates that Saul's persecution of David is not born of ignorance or misunderstanding, but of a deliberate and defiant rebellion against God's revealed will. Saul's knowledge makes his continued pursuit of David a conscious act of defiance, highlighting his hardened heart and tragic downfall.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 23:17 is rich with literary devices that amplify its meaning and emotional impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jonathan's prophetic words explicitly predict David's future kingship, assuring the reader of God's ultimate triumph despite present adversity. There is significant **Irony** in the fact that Jonathan, King Saul's son and the legitimate heir, is the one who confirms David's divine appointment to the throne, while Saul himself is desperately trying to prevent it. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between Jonathan's selfless loyalty and Saul's paranoid ambition and defiance of God. The direct **Dialogue** between Jonathan and David emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of their bond, allowing the reader to witness the profound depth of their friendship and Jonathan's unwavering support. Furthermore, the use of the phrase "Fear not" employs **Exhortation**, a common biblical rhetorical device, which serves to both comfort David and underscore the divine authority behind Jonathan's message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances appear dire and human opposition is fierce. It illustrates that God's sovereign plan for His chosen ones will ultimately prevail, irrespective of the machinations of those who resist His will. Jonathan's profound humility and selfless loyalty serve as a theological model for true leadership and friendship—one that prioritizes God's purposes above personal ambition or earthly gain. The verse also underscores the tragic consequences of defying God's revealed will, as seen in Saul's hardened heart, which, despite knowing God's decree, persists in rebellion. It challenges believers to trust in God's timing and methods, even when the path is fraught with danger and uncertainty, and to cultivate relationships marked by godly love and support.

* [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound encounter between Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel 23:17 offers timeless lessons for our spiritual journey. In moments of intense trial and uncertainty, like David's flight from Saul, we are called to remember that God's promises are immutable, and His sovereign hand is always at work, even when unseen. Jonathan's selfless declaration, acknowledging David's future kingship and his own willingness to be "next unto" him, challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding ambition, humility, and submission to God's will. Do we truly trust God's plan for our lives and the lives of others, even when it means relinquishing our own desires or perceived rights? This verse also highlights the invaluable role of faithful friends who, like Jonathan, can speak words of divine encouragement and truth into our lives, reminding us of God's faithfulness when our faith falters. It calls us to be such friends to others, offering support and affirmation rooted in God's purposes, even at personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's selfless loyalty challenge my own understanding of friendship and ambition in my relationships?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "fear" rather than trust in God's sovereign plan, especially when circumstances seem dire or contrary to my expectations?**
* **What does it mean to truly submit to God's will, even when it requires relinquishing personal desires, perceived rights, or positions of prominence?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jonathan, the rightful heir, so readily accept David's kingship?**

Answer: Jonathan's acceptance of David's kingship stemmed from a profound understanding and submission to God's divine appointment. Unlike his father, Saul, Jonathan recognized God's sovereign hand at work in David's life. Their covenant friendship, first established in [1 Samuel 18:1-4](/1_samuel/18-1 "1 Samuel 18:1-4 - Jonathan's Soul Knit to David's"), was rooted in mutual respect and a shared reverence for God's will. Jonathan prioritized God's plan over his own birthright and personal ambition, demonstrating extraordinary humility and faith. He genuinely loved David and believed that God had chosen him, a conviction reinforced by the Spirit of the Lord on David and the Lord's departure from Saul. This selfless posture is further evidenced in [1 Samuel 20:42](/1_samuel/20-42 "1 Samuel 20:42 - Jonathan and David's Covenant Renewed"), where they reaffirm their covenant before parting ways.

**What does "and that also Saul my father knoweth" imply about Saul's actions?**

Answer: This poignant phrase reveals the tragic and deliberate nature of Saul's rebellion against God. It implies that Saul was not acting out of ignorance or a misunderstanding of David's divine anointing. Rather, he was fully aware that God had chosen David to succeed him as king, a truth that Samuel had explicitly declared to him in [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - Samuel's Prophecy to Saul"). Saul's continued, relentless pursuit of David, despite this knowledge, demonstrates a hardened heart and a conscious defiance of God's revealed will. His actions are thus portrayed not merely as political maneuvering but as a tragic spiritual rebellion, leading to his ultimate downfall and the loss of his dynasty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound narrative of 1 Samuel 23:17, particularly Jonathan's selfless act, deeply foreshadows the Person and work of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the "rightful" heir to an earthly throne, willingly steps aside and affirms the divinely appointed king, David, even desiring to serve "next unto" him. This mirrors Christ, who, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Jesus, the true King of Kings, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but humbly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jonathan's prophetic assurance to David—"Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel"—finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as David's kingship was assured despite persecution, Christ's eternal reign is guaranteed through His resurrection, conquering every foe that sought to "find" or defeat Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jonathan's loyalty to God's chosen one mirrors the Father's unwavering affirmation of the Son, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus")), establishing Jesus as the rightful and eternal King over all creation ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 20:31

For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

1 Samuel 24:20

And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.

Job 5:11

To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

Job 5:15

But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Acts 28:16

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.